Opposites Attract: Two Very Different Brunello Releases – 2014 & 2013 Riserva By David Porter on 27/03/2019 Every March the new releases from Montalcino are unveiled. The rules stipulate that Brunello must be aged at the estate for 5 years and for the Riservas it is 7 years before hitting the market. 2019 therefore marks the release of the 2014 Brunellos and the Riservas from 2013. Read more
Le Macchiole: Latest releases from the Tuscan Coast – Pre-Shipment Offer By David Porter on 25/11/2017 2014 was undoubtedly a challenging vintage across Italy - and Bolgheri was no different with uncharacteristic rain, cool temperatures and a constant lack of sun adversely affecting the harvest like rarely before. This was a vintage that required understanding, hard work and unstinting commitment. Only in the right hands at the right estates was glory possible. Read more
Bordeaux 2015 – recent releases – some good value cellar-fillers By Charles Lea on 03/05/2016 Releases continue to trickle out in Bordeaux, rather slowly given that, according to one rumour coming out from the Bordeaux trade, the majority of the big names intend to be out before Vinexpo Hong Kong, which runs from the 24th to the 26th May, and that's a lot of wines to release in a month with more French holidays than you'd think possible in a country that only works 35 hours a week anyway. Read more
Bordeaux 2015 – Waiting for Martin By Charles Lea on 29/04/2016 Today is the day when we expect Neal Martin's verdict on the 2015 vintage. Many critics have already given their opinions, with a rave review (six hundred pointers and lots of 'best-evers') from James Suckling (jamessuckling.com), enthusiastic set of notes from Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast (wineenthusiast. Read more
Last Parcel: ‘A cut above the rest’ a few cases of 2009 La Mauriane – Puisseguin, Saint Émilion OWC By Ed H-B on 22/10/2014 We’ve just 4 cases left of this excellent example of garagiste wine tucked away in our London warehouse. A micro-cuvée made by Pierre Taïx, one of the three parcels that make this extraordinary wine consists of eighty year old vines planted by his grandfather. A true garagiste wine made in a modern, opulent style. Read more
2012 Rully 1er Cru ‘La Pucelle’ – Still my personal favourite of the Jacqueson whites By Charles Lea on 02/09/2014 The adventurous and sportif Paul Jacqueson and his wife Marie make wines of impeccable quality, when not climbing in the Himalayas, close indeed to their much more expensive cousins on the Côte d’Or. We have a particular fondness for their whites, and especially the Pucelle, which is a model of what a great Rully can be year after year. Read more
Last wines added to 2012 Burgundy offer + Auxey Duresses Comte Armand 2012 – “a fabulous wine” By Andrew Hooper on 25/02/2014 Please note this mail refers to a Primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site. I know from speaking to several customers over the last few days that there are more of you out there who have been meaning to order 2012 Burgundy but have just not quite got round to it. Read more
Release of 2011 CHÂTEAU YQUEM 1er Cru Classé Sauternes By Charles Lea on 26/09/2013 Apparently we were waiting all this time for the great Bobness’ final pronouncement – as if that really changes anything about a wine already praised fulsomely by every other critic on the planet, including Neal Martin on the great Master’s own website. Read more
Bordeaux 2011 – Stylistic differences at similar prices By Charles Lea on 04/05/2012 Château Tronquoy-Lalande & Château La Tour Carnet It is no particular secret that Robert Parker tends to like the lush, ripe, dense, sweet style wines like La Tour Carnet made by M. Magrez, (who also owns Pape Clement, and many others) while some 'old school English' have been rather shocked by them. Read more
2011 Bordeaux – The L&S Mixed Sauternes case 2011 By Charles Lea on 02/05/2012 We announce today the contents and pricing of this year's LEA & SANDEMAN mixed Sauternes case (£350 in bond - same price for either 12 bottles or 24 halves) comprises 4 of the very top wines of the vintage. We have limited stocks available at this price so please respond quickly to avoid disappointment. Read more
Happy Monday – New Burgundy Star: Domaine de la Douaix By Charles Lea on 30/01/2012 The Today Programme (never wrong of course) said this morning that psychologists have determined that this is Happy Monday (coming a mere two weeks after miserable Monday when the Christmas festivities are over). Why not celebrate with some cracking Burgundy? In keeping with the slightly austere feel of the beginning of the year, these too are bargains even if not in the Sale. Read more